Kuwait: Really good ideas here that we should adopt in Canada.

Kuwait is different than anything I have ever been exposed to...and I have traveled a fair amount. I am trying to pin point exactly how and why it's different, but I am processing all that. When I get it figured out, I will let you know. For now, I will highlight some of the things they have here that are pretty cool.

People here like to smell good. You know those annoying people in the malls,who insist on spraying you with the latest scent that you DONT want to smell like? Well--Kuwaiti people, love those people. They are everywhere..they wander the malls with little sticks of the scent they are trying to push on you. Everyone that passes them, takes  stick. Men, women children--they love the smell stick. At the market, there were scores of these knock off perfume tables. Any perfume/cologne/smelly thing you want--there it is. For cheap. People at my school spray scent in their classrooms. Scented candles are everywhere. People here, are not afraid to smell good. There is no "scent-free policy". I like that. Smelling good is nice.  

Corn in a cup. Corn in a cup is a big deal here. Love that. Nuff said. 

Ok so this LOOKS like Bar-B-Que chicken right? And it is..but here is the rest of the story. So the other day at work, lunch was brought in for the staff. It was probably the best Lebanese food I have ever tasted. Really, really good. Anyway--I was unpacking the containers, and the Shish Taouk ( Chicken chunks on a stick) came wrapped in foil. I unwrapped the skewers of chicken and noticed that they were resting on a very large pita. I said ( somewhat foolishly) " ohhh cool ,they come with a Pita" and my director said " No, that's what they do to absorb the juices; the pita for eating, is in another bag". At the time I thought--"Ok, great idea" and didn't give it much more thought  ( I don't want you to think I spend a whole lot of thought on these burning issues) So anyway, the other day I bought a Bar-b-que chicken..and lo and behold--here it is again. The "pita as absorbent towel" concept. They throw the chicken on a pita and wrap the whole thing up in foil. Isn't that a fabulous idea?? Not only can one consume the pita if one chooses too ( the chicken also comes with a pack of pita bread) but the pita absorbs any juices, so there is no nasty spillage. I love that. 
Great idea, that we should use in Canada for all take out food that has spillage potential. 

Kuwait: The Friday Market

Today I played tourist and went to the Friday Market. This is an enormous covered market that sells everything from nylons to industrial size fridges. I have been in Kuwait for a few weeks now, and thought it was time I played tourist. 

 These large covered circular areas are the roof tops of the market. A protection of sorts from the glaring sun. It was 45 degrees today--but really need to do something besides hide inside and watch Netflix ( how great is Downton Abbey?? ) 

This is the furniture section. As you can see you can choose from a lovely assortment of sectional sofas. "Dewaniya", is the term that is used for those low lying cushion seating arrangements we might see in a Moroccan restaurant.  This term refers to the custom of men sitting around smoking, drinking coffee and discussing all manner of things, from politics to religion. 

Kuwaiti folk really love the whole concept of bling and bedazzled. A lot of their garments are beaded and glittery. This..living room accessory (??) is an example of that. 

The market is a great place to buy an Abaya. I made a horrifying discovery today. Abaya's are not made of cotton, silk or natural fibers. Abaya's are basically made of--polyester. Think...non-breathable, man-made, flame resistant fabric. Think of that in 45 degree heat. I have no idea how these women are not keeling over from the heat.  

A big seller at the market is clothes/shoes and general flea market, second hand stuff. Acres and acres of this kind of clothing. I have no idea how anybody makes a living selling this stuff. If one's mission was to sift through all the hanging garments on offer at this market--they would be there for days and days and days. 

This is my 'carpet guy'. He is Iranian, and his carpets are "antiques" ( she said sarcastically) from Afghanistan, Iran and Syria. I treated myself to a lovely 70 year old carpet from Afghanistan. The colours are amazing. I put it in my bedroom It started off at a price of 200$ but I got him down to 120$. I am sure I could have paid less--but to me, it was a good deal and I was happy with that price. 

This is the 'fitness equipment' area. Anybody need a bowflex?

I was there for 3 hours, and could have spent another 3 hours there--and still not covered the whole market. I just couldn't take the heat anymore. I was literally dripping wet by the time I left. Have I told you how hot it is here? 

Life in Kuwait: Things I didn't realize before.

The value of my Language:
If you have a passport that is issued by an English speaking country, and you are an English speaking native...that is a big deal. You, my dear, have a commodity that a lot of people want. 
You speak English. People want that. People will pay big bucks for that. If you are a native English Speaker and know another language, you can probably work anywhere in the world. If you are reading this, and English is your mother tongue, you are lucky, 

The value of my nationality:
If you have a passport from a country that speaks English--you can travel anywhere in the world without hassles or the nasty complication of a lengthy visa application. People from other countries are not so lucky. The only countries a lot of "non-western" ( read middle east) people can travel to, without a complicated and lengthy visa process are: Turkey, Syria and Iran.  
Some countries, they will never get to.
A lot of people go to a lot of trouble to get that desired passport, marriage is only one way.  
On the world stage,  I am privileged because I AM CANADIAN. My kid, and nephew are lucky.



The Value of my Education:
I appreciate having an education. Because of my education, I get stuff.
A lot of people working in Kuwait ( most people working in Kuwait) have to work very hard to earn a living. Very hard. 

Some jobs are excruciatingly boring: standing at a pillar in an underground parking lot all day pointing drivers to the exit ( because drivers cant read the EXIT signs, I presume? ) or standing by the escalators all day long, making sure people ride the escalator properly (???) 

Some jobs are excruciatingly painful: working outside in the heat tending to the gardens in the median of the highway. (Today the temperature registered 55 degrees F.) 

Some jobs are just ridiculous: wiping the toilet seat in the bathroom, before I use it.  ( really??) 

We are not treated equally:
If your skin is white, you are treated differently ( read better). You might want to think you aren't, but you are. It's there in the subtleties..the deference, the attentive service, the engaging smiles, the eagerness. There are a lot of whitening creams sold in the stores. 


I have to wonder: If you hold a North American passport, speak English, have white skin and an education... are you golden? 
And if you are lucky enough to be born having those criteria--and aren't grabbing that brass ring..why? 

My trip to the grocery store.

I messed up my first trip to the grocery store. I went when I had actual shopping to do. I should have gone just to observe, with no goal in mind. Next time.
Here are some random observations from my trip.

Grocery stores are the same world wide. Food is arranged in aisles, one walks up and down with a cart. Fairly simple...except when:

                             A) One does not recognize the food:

Fresh Dates--I asked 

B) The store does not seem to be organized in any fashion that makes sense:

Why is the tuna next to the pineapple? ( is this an aisle devoted to canned goods?)

C) One doesn't know what size to buy:

The jar on the right is normal size..the jar on the left..I truly don't know what that is about. Its the size of a large toaster oven--or, the size of a bread box. Who needs that much Nutella. Ever? 

D) Food names are switched up:

No wonder we cant get along!! We don't call our squashes by the same thing! Perhaps unity should start by common squash names? ie Butternut squash ( left)  and Spaghetti Squash ( right)

E. One does not know one's countries:

The photo does not show the lettuce, but it's below the sign. If one didn't know that Jordan was a country--chaos would reign.

F. One does not comparison shop:

The Squash on the left, would be about 2$ a kg. Probably about 4$ for one  squash. That's probably because they are from Egypt. 

However, if one buys local squash, you can get a whole BOX containing about 5 squash for 5$ish.

I know right?? Exciting stuff!! 

                                                                                                                                                               

First Impressions and Random Thoughts

I have finally arrived in Kuwait. It's been a crazy week, but all in all, the process has run fairly smoothly. Considering.

My thoughts are running around my brain like crazy, and I am slowly trying to make sense of it all. I keep thinking " oh I have to write about that" but if I wrote about all that I have thought and seen and experienced, I would be here forever and its just Day 2! 

So, I will condense the brain activity into a few sentences. I have some photos--but will post more later. I am sure you are all on the edge of your seats. ( she said sarcastically)

Plane Ride:

Plane from Toronto to Frankfurt was great--I had an empty seat beside me...the odds were in my favour. 

The plane from Frankfurt to KW left on time. Kinda. We had to keep stopping because the Kuwaiti people that were on the plane would not sit in their seats. They kept popping up and changing seats, getting something from the overhead bins, sitting back down ( somewhere else) and just generally causing melee. It was pretty amusing at first, I just observed in awe. However, when the pilot of the plane refused to leave the airport dock until they were all seated and fastened...it became my problem. :) I rolled my eyes a lot, I fear. 

When we landed, we had barely touched down, before the same thing happened--people popped up and started unloading luggage from the overhead bins. It was kind of rewarding to listen to the Lufthansa stewardess give them heck and tell them to sit down. She had to do this 5 times. Finally, the pilot just stopped the plane until they all sat down and then we proceeded to the airport dock. 

What's that about? 

I wonder if these folks had somewhere important to go?

Fixers: 

I cannot underestimate the importance of these people. These are people that "fix" things in your arrival country, they are the ones that deal with all the red tape/getting tickets/working with the system etc, to smooth the way for you. Kind of like....a really good wife! 

I have had 3 fixers so far. They have sorted my visa process upon arrival, got me to my apartment, arranged a KW mobile phone with data, got my cable/landline sorted, stocked my fridge with food,took me to the car rental place, and drove me around town to orient me to the area. I can contact them 24/7 ( apparently).

I highly recommend this service. Makes life so much easier. I want my personal fixer all the time, forever. Usually its ME doing the fixing for others. This was a very welcome treat. 

Driving: 

Driving is not bad here at all. All the hoopla about it, I expected it to be like bumper cars. If you can drive in Toronto, you can drive here. Navigating is also not bad, since Kuwait is on a point, you have the sea on one side...and the desert on the other...how lost can one get?

The U turn:

Kuwait has a lot of roads that are one way. Like...mini highways. However, no worries--they have perfected the art of the U-turn. If you are driving down the wrong way, no worries--just turn around. They have U-turn areas every few hundred feet. It's fabulous. Going the wrong way? Just turn around. Wish life were so simple.

It's hot.

Words cannot express how hot it is. Like...its crazy hot. Imagine the hottest that you have ever been. It's not that hot here. It's hotter.

Picture...turning the oven on to 400 degrees, and crawling inside. That's how hot it is. When the car is parked outside a shop, things in my car, melt. Sunglasses/gum/lipstick all melts. Steering wheel even gets kind of soft.

Now, you might think that at night when the sun goes down, the heat is less intense. 

You would be wrong. It's just as bad. Ohhhh alright--it goes from 50 degrees to 46 degrees. My bad.

My apartment is very near the ocean, and there is a lovely promenade that one can take a stroll on, if one is trying to get heat stroke. I will enjoy that promenade in September, when it cools down. 

The help.

Actual Kuwaiti people that you might encounter are few and far between. Most of the people that you meet in the shops stores and establishments are Indians, or Fillipinos. I love those people. They are warm friendly and I feel most comfortable communicating with them. Arab folk I am less sure about. Will keep you posted on that score. 

Endings are Beginnings

I have moved 14 times in the past 35 years. Is that a lot? It seems like a lot. Each move though has been wrapped up with a new dream, a new adventure, a growth. I quite enjoy the packing up process, it's the actual moving day that I hate. 



I love the packing up process because there is something very cathartic about throwing stuff out. I can happily get rid of stuff without a backward glance. There have been some things though, that I shed quite a few tears over: my daughter's swing that was lovingly crafted by her dad,  a crazy drawing of a 'turtle-donkey', a broken dish. And there have been some other things that I quite happily discarded: my 'fat' jeans, old course notes, bank statements. But with each bag of garbage that was filled, I was one step closer to the next dream. That 'new chapter' feeling ebbs out the bittersweet moments of lost time, lost dreams, lost relationships. 
Generally speaking moving though, really isn't that bad. Honest. I highly recommend it. 
Thursday morning,  June 19th, 2014, I said goodbye to my condo, and moved out. Before the door is closed for the final time though, each room gets its moment. I stop at the doorway and remember the happy moments, the emotion, the feelings tied up with each room. It's an important part of the 'goodbye' process: the remembering. 
Not acknowledging the closure and the goodbye is a mistake, and results in a feeling of 'unfinished business' and is regretful. Trust me...take the time. 
So, goodbyes all done, I loaded up the last suitcase into the car, handed over the keys--and moved into my moms, temporarily. 

Now that the move is over, I am feeling free-er, happy and I am looking ahead. Exciting times ahead. 
As things would have it, and because life is just like that, on the morning of the move, I got an email from my boss it had photos attached of my new apartment in Kuwait. 

living room...don't know who the kid is, but I wonder if he comes with apt? 

Kitchen is very small...but that means, obviously, less cooking. 



View isn't bad..Wonder who lives there?

Endings are beginnings. Things are going to be just fine. 

If I were a Muslim

Let's say I were a Muslim. Let's say I am out and about in...well anywhere in the world. Let's say I see another Muslim ( and believe me, Muslims can 'tell' other Muslims whom they come across, even if they are not wearing traditional dress, or female, and wearing a viel...I don't know how, but I think it's a gift )
Anyway, so I am out and about, and I see another Muslim. The standard greeting for Muslims is "Assalamu Alaikum"..so being Muslim, I would say that.
Since you are a Muslim too ( play along here) you would respond " Wa alaikum assalam". Seems pretty civilized, right? Especially, when you consider that the literal translation is 'Peace be with you' and the response means 'and upon you be peace.' An extended version of the greeting, actually means--get this- 'May the peace, mercy and blessings of Allah be with you.'



Now, understand that the amount of knowledge I have about the middle east conflict ( past and present) and/or the intricacies of Islam, being Muslim, the factions of Muslim's. the differences between Sunnis and Shiites, or in fact ANYTHING to do with Islam and being Islamic could fit on a dust molecule on a gnat..but I do know this: the standard greeting of Muslim's world wide is a declaration of peace, love and mercy.
I am not going to list the atrocities of terrorism, or the current hideous examples of terrorist activities that are prevalent now in Syria or Iraq...but I do know this: If I were a Muslim in the Western World...I sure would be speaking up around the water cooler about how, perhaps Islam is not necessarily about religious persecution. Or is it?
Western people in general, don't know bupkus about the middle east, or about what being Muslim means. If I were Muslim, I would try to explain that groups like Isis, or the Taliban, don't necessarily speak for Muslim's everywhere.
I would try to explain, to the western person in my sphere...that their activities do not speak for me, as a Muslim.
I know that 'Christian' religions also have had their share of hate-mongering and religious conflict. See: "Spanish inquisition" 



But, we've come a long way since then, baby...we don't poop in the woods anymore either. 
Admittedly, I have not 'you-tubed' Muslim's speaking out against terrorism...and if I did, I would hope that there are many video's posted about how these groups do not speak for Muslim's everywhere. I really hope so, but I am afraid to look because I don't want to see all the other videos put up by militant Muslims. 
So to all my Muslim friends, pen-pals and other Muslim folk who may or may not be reading this right now...please, if Islam really is about peace, mercy and the grace of Allah...say something!

The Middle East???

So I have been finding the reactions of people to the chosen destination for my little 'adventure' rather interesting.

What most people say is much different than the way in which they say it, and what you know they are thinking. 

What they are thinking is "Oh my god are you NUTS?? The middle EAST?? seriously are you insane?!!" but what they say out loud, is usually something along the lines of " Ohhhhh the Middle east? ummm well be careful...." 
and then they exit stage left, as quickly as possible. 

It has been my experience that people really don't know anything about the Middle east, other than what they hear on the news. They also lump the whole area in together--as if separate countries don't really exist. 

The Middle East, in the eyes of the masses is one big pot of bubbling stew that is unsafe and tormented and by going there I am taking my life in my hands.  ( Which, I am aware, may or may not be true, depending on the destination country.Ie Iraq is probably best to be avoided as of the time of this writing. )

Bear in mind the following: I am not an idiot. Read that again. I would not go to Iraq, or Afghanistan ( right now anyway--but maybe in a few years....) 

I know that the area is, in fact, rife with centuries of unrest both politically and religiously. 
I am merely pointing out that people get their information about the area solely from CNN or the most current news report--and that's not necessarily true for each country in the region. For example, Kuwait.

To give you an example of what I am talking about this was a conversation I had in an elevator recently:

Man: " so I hear you are going to the Middle East?!" ( which is obviously code for WTFudge are you thinking????!")

Me: "yep, heading out to Kuwait, August 11th"

Man: "Yeah well, be careful there."

Me: "Yep, no worries. I hear the driving is pretty chaotic!" ( this said with my most charming smile I could muster)

Man: " Well, my wife had a friend, of a friend ( or the cousin of a friend of a friend of a friend's best friend's uncle's brother's friend) who 'got out just in time!!'

Me: " oh yeah? what happened?"

Man: " well, she was in Qatar or maybe Iran? Or Oman or something, I forget... but she went to the store without a veil and she was going to be put in prison, but they let her go!" 

Me: "wow, good thing, looks like she dodged a bullet" ( yes, deliberate pun..i was chuckling inside )

Man: I'll say!!

Me: "Thanks! See ya! "

See? that's what I am talking about. 

What's up with that? Why do people feel the need to give their unresearched and uneducated opinions? Some of those people are virtual strangers, for pete's sake!! 
Also--would it be better, and more conducive to meaningful dialogue to ask questions about Kuwait, then to voice an unwarranted opinion about it?

Perhaps, if there were more dialogue, with people wanting to really know about Kuwait...that would be one baby step towards solving the Middle East Crises? 

Kuwait is not Saudi. Or Iraq

For those of you who are geographically challenged, please see the map below. Agreed the countries in the middle east are small, but understand that they are separate countries. Kuwait is not Saudi. 
Nor is it Iraq. 
It is neighbouring those countries though, as you can see. 

Since it is not Saudi:
Yes women can drive. 

No, I don't have to wear an Abaya every time I leave the house. ( Although, it would be handy to slip on over pajamas to run to the grocery store, or to hide a few pounds from eating out all the time) 

You are right,  alcohol is not allowed. 

Yes, I am allowed to wear sleeveless tops to the mall.

No, I don't have to have a male relative escorting me. 

Yes, there was a war there. It was in 1991/2. A long time ago. It was called "Desert Storm." It's over now.

No, Kuwait is not being invaded by an extremist religious group at this time. 
( June 2014)

Yes, it is a Muslim Country.

Yes, it is a small country--you can drive across it in about 2 hours, depending on the traffic.

No, it is not Dubai. Although people do go to Dubai for the weekend to 'let their hair down." ( relatively speaking)

Map of the middle east. Canada is way to your left ( or right, if you go the long way round) 

What I don't have to wear--although I think she is rockin' this look.  

First Impressions

First Impressions:

Ok, So I am writing  a 'this is my first impression of Kuwait' before I even get to Kuwait. Yeah,Yeah,Yeah I know..how dare I? It's easy. This is my blog and I can say what I want. Ha! 

While I am not arriving in Kuwait until August, I can say unequivocally that when it comes to Kuwait--people love it or hate it.

Now, before you feel the need to leave nasty comments about how since I haven't even touched down in Kuwait yet, who am I to say anything about Kuwait? ( and you'd be right, kinda sorta) Understand that the internet is here people, and it's pretty easy to do your research--and research I have.

From googling " Kuwait blogs" to "life in Kuwait" to "is dating illegal in Kuwait" the data is out there and the jury has handed in their verdict.

People love Kuwait. And People hate Kuwait.

People love it because:

1. Life is easy. You can hire anyone to do anything. You don't want to carry your groceries to your car? No problem, you can hire someone to do that! You don't want to carry the groceries up to your flat? No problem! You can get someone to do that! Ditto: Cleaning your flat, doing your nails, washing windows, renting movies, delivery of food etc.
2. The weather is good! ( albeit very hot in the summer but since its a "dry heat" the heat isn't that bad) but the main thing is, there is no snow. Canadians appreciate a winter with no snow. A lot. 
3. The quality of life. Restaurants, malls, abound and expats can get anything they want--at a price. There is regular internet. 
4. Gas is cheap. With gas coming in at over 1.35$ a litre in Canada now, thats another perk for Canadians.

People hate it because:

1. Life is easy. Life is easy, apparently because of the idea that you can hire anyone to do anything, in Kuwait. The 'easy street' idea is riding on the backs of the immigrant worker who is there to working for slave wages. Racism abounds. 
2. The weather is not good. It's too bloody hot! 110 degrees F is too friggin hot!! And its a dry heat, so it feels like an oven.
3. The quality of life sucks. All there is to do, is to go shopping at the endless parade of malls, eat out in one of the many restaurants and sit around drinking another cup of coffee at 2KD a pop. There is regular internet but sites are blocked, netflix is unreliable and there is nothing to do.
4. The crazy driving. Sure, gas is cheap but who wants to take their life in their hands by driving on the roads where people drive like maniacs and their one aim is to go as fast as they can to the next shopping mall, so that they can purchase stuff they don't need, and sit at Starbucks drinking coffee they don't want. 

So. My first impression of Kuwait? Ya love it, or you hate it. I will keep you posted.